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Human cannonball Matt Cranch death 'accidental' | Human cannonball Matt Cranch death 'accidental' |
(about 5 hours later) | |
The death of a "human cannonball" who was fired into the air at a stunt show was an accident, an inquest jury has ruled. | The death of a "human cannonball" who was fired into the air at a stunt show was an accident, an inquest jury has ruled. |
Matthew Cranch, 24, from Newquay, Cornwall, died when a net failed at Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show in Kent in April 2011. | Matthew Cranch, 24, from Newquay, Cornwall, died when a net failed at Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show in Kent in April 2011. |
It collapsed because a quick release mechanism was not properly set, the inquest heard. | It collapsed because a quick release mechanism was not properly set, the inquest heard. |
Mr Cranch's family said after the inquest they would "never recover". | Mr Cranch's family said after the inquest they would "never recover". |
Mr Cranch - who was from the Isle of Man but was living in Newquay - died in hospital after being fired from the cannon mounted on a lorry, the inquest in Maidstone, Kent, was told. | Mr Cranch - who was from the Isle of Man but was living in Newquay - died in hospital after being fired from the cannon mounted on a lorry, the inquest in Maidstone, Kent, was told. |
The inquest also heard tests carried out after his death showed the net quick-release mechanism could be set incorrectly by mistake, causing it to fall to the ground when the firing lorry recoiled. | |
'Free spirit' | 'Free spirit' |
In its conclusion, the jury said: "At some point during the firing of the cannonball, the safety net quick release mechanism activated prematurely as a result of it being incorrectly set. | In its conclusion, the jury said: "At some point during the firing of the cannonball, the safety net quick release mechanism activated prematurely as a result of it being incorrectly set. |
"As a result, Matthew Cranch sustained multiple injuries." | "As a result, Matthew Cranch sustained multiple injuries." |
Show owner, Cornwall-based Stunts UK Ltd, said the cannonball showpiece had been performed about 1,000 times with no problems. | Show owner, Cornwall-based Stunts UK Ltd, said the cannonball showpiece had been performed about 1,000 times with no problems. |
Mr Cranch who had joined the stunt team about four weeks before his death, had performed the showpiece five times before his death. | |
Kent Police said in December 2012 that no criminal prosecution would be brought over the death. | Kent Police said in December 2012 that no criminal prosecution would be brought over the death. |
Mr Cranch's family said: "Matthew was a 'free spirit', who truly was a genuine guy. | Mr Cranch's family said: "Matthew was a 'free spirit', who truly was a genuine guy. |
"He brought to the world a kindness, gentleness, sensitivity, fairness and incredible sense of humour, an unforgettable smile and the very best of big hugs. | "He brought to the world a kindness, gentleness, sensitivity, fairness and incredible sense of humour, an unforgettable smile and the very best of big hugs. |
"The loss of our son is a matter we can never accept or recover from." | "The loss of our son is a matter we can never accept or recover from." |
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